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Drama Ratings

Disclaimer! Not an exhaustive list. List is updated with both old and new whenever I feel like it.

KOREAN DRAMAS

20th Century Boy and Girl (2017)Rating: B-Incredibly sweet and warm, but sorely lacking of conflict. As nice as it is to watch likable characters live wholesome lives, there's hardly any weight to happiness when nothing puts it to the test. Still, I can't be mad at it because Han Ye Seul and Kim Ji Suk are so very charming, both individually and together.

49 Days (2011)

Rating: C-

Although the premise piqued my interest, the execution was unsatisfying. The body-possession gimmick was done with more respect to both parties than in some more recent dramas, but the logic behind fantasy elements was somewhat flimsy. Ending was a downer.

Age of Youth (2016)

Rating: B+

Female friendships done right. The understated charm and poignant character journeys made it into a beautiful and inspiring experience. Sadly, the ending didn't give me the needed answers nor closure.

Age of Youth 2 (2017)Rating: AExceptional follow-up to the first season that improves on some things, without disregarding the events and characters of its predecessor. Even with a lot of new, it retains the familiar approach to storytelling and poignant slice-of-life vibe. Show still owes me a certain OTP, though. Big time!

Angry Mom (2015)

Rating: B-

Tonally really jarring, which prevented me from truly enjoying it, but the story of a badass mom (played awesomely by Kim Hee Sun) seeking justice for her daughter is immensely satisfying and heartfelt. An endearing performance by Ji Soo as the misunderstood Bok Dong.

Answer Me/Reply 1997 (2012)

Rating: AA nostalgic treat full of witty cultural references and moments familiar from my own youth. It took little everyday scenes and made them important milestones in the characters' lives. Saying goodbye to this show was like bidding farewell to a dear friend.

Rating: DHigh schooler finds himself in the body of his ditzy teacher's fiance and somehow steals her heart, while the unjustly dumped fiance spends rest of the drama napping away in the boy's comatose body. What's not to like?

Rating: DWeirdly entertaining. Whether it's for the laughably awful acting-directing-editing combo or for the unexplainably addictive story. But don't fool yourself into thinking it's good in any way.

Chicago Typewriter (2017)Rating: BA rather underrated series about love, friendship and sacrifice, told in two different timelines. It wistfully depicts the story of three freedom fighters in the 1930s and their reincarnated selves in the modern day. Though not always outright riveting, its pleasing aesthetics, peculiar charm and committed performances ultimately outweigh any flaws.

Chief Kim (2017)Rating: A-A wacky office drama with a fantastic sense for absurd humor. Namgoong Min plays the titular Chief Kim with manic gusto, clashing awesomely with Junho's foodie-villain and winning over the whole office with his crazy energy. Objectively, the drama isn't terribly clever and starts out a bit slow, but the rest of it is just SO MUCH FUN!READ REVIEW HERE

Coffee House (2010)

Rating: ANot for everyone, but it defies expectations and K-drama conventions in a charming, entertaining way. Adored Kang Ji Hwan and Park Si Yeon in it and their chemistry was exceptional. Will forever remain a personal favourite.

Despite its apparent flaws in several departments, the drama comes together nicely and tells a surprisingly endearing underdog story. Kim Soo Hyun shines with his character's emotional arc.

Dream High 2 (2012)

Rating: F

Half-assed attempt at imitating the success of its predecessor, which resulted in bad acting performances and especially poor character motivations. Rather than being fulfilled, dreams were given up on.

Drinking Solo (2016)Rating: C-Didn't really live up to my expectations. Once the characters grew on me, I had fun watching, but overall it was hard to connect with. Worse yet, the writer botched the romance with an incredibly hard to stomach male lead who never quite redeemed himself and a female lead who failed to grow a spine.

Emergency Couple (2014)

Rating: C-

Watched it for the leads, but the couple's reconciliation was hard to root for. Although I was ultimately happy with the way the romance wrapped up, getting there was more pain than joy.

Father is Strange (2017)Rating: C

Lee Joon and Jung So Min make an adorable pairing that you can't help but love, while Lee Yu Ri totally slays her role. That said, I found most storylines entirely skippable.

Five Children (2016)Rating: C+Although it was admittedly just a speed watch of Yeon Tae and Sang Min's storyline ❤, it's not the worst family drama I've tried to watch. Quite light on the yelling and evil in-laws, yet still fairly repetitive. Skip to your favourite pairings and it'll be a likable show.

Full House (2004)

Rating: D

The ultimate bickering romance between co-habitating lead characters, although the house was indeed worth fighting over. Had its cute moments but didn't age very gracefully, with the worst offenses being Rain's hair and fashion sense.

Girls' Generation 1979 (2017)Rating: B-Thoughtful and unassuming series focusing on the bittersweet friendship between two girls, their respective romantic pains and difficult familial circumstances, while set against the politically turbulent backdrop. Although quite rough around the edges, with a few awkward performances, I did enjoy the slightly darker, sobering approach to the era.

Go Back Couple (2017)

Rating: B-

A moving journey of an unhappily divorced couple into the past to start anew, only to realize they wouldn't change a thing. There's equal amounts of laughter and heartbreak, delivered gracefully by the cast. While the male lead is initially overshadowed by a swoony second, his redemption is genuine. Unfortunately, the writer panicked at the end, resulting in a very sloppy finale.

Healer (2014-2015)

Rating: A

This is my City Hunter. Perhaps not as phenomenal as the hype suggests, but consistent writing, lovely characterizations and fantastic main couple had me fully invested from start to finish. The drama made me loooove Ji Chang Wook, but I also adored Park Min Young and Yoo Ji Tae in it. Healer feels will forever be a thing.

I'm Not a Robot (2017-2018)Rating: BAdorable (faux-)robot drama with a strong emotional core and very appealing packaging. The story requires fair amount of suspension of disbelief, but Yoo Seung Ho and Chae Soo Bin deliver beautiful, highly affecting performances that put your heart to the test. Would have benefitted from more intriguing villains, though.

I Need Romance 2 (2012)

Rating: D+

Frustrating romance and annoying female lead did not make this a pleasant viewing for me. I appreciated the attempt at exploring different kinds of romantic relationships, but the characters didn't need romance, they needed to move on.

Individualist Ji Young (2017)

Rating: BThought-provoking mini-drama about dealing with crushing loneliness and finding companionship from an unexpected place. Although I wish it had been twice its length, I found characters relatable and the story poignant. Short, at times devastating, but ultimately beautiful.READ REVIEW HERE

It's Okay, It's Love (2014)

Rating: BThe story resonated with me on a personal level, although the depiction of mental illnesses had its obvious issues. The romance was a miss for me with all the annoying fighting between the couple. However, Jo In Sung's performance spoke to me enough to forget about the drama's flaws.READ REVIEW HERE

Just Between Lovers (2017-2018)Rating: ABeautifully filmed story about two miserable people that find a kindred-spirit in each other and learn how to heal from a past tragedy. Explores themes of grief, trauma and despair in a meaningful, understated way. Moving performances from Won Jin Ah and Junho, who were the heart and soul of my viewing experience.READ REVIEW HERE

Let's Eat (2013-2014)

Rating: B+The constant stomach-growling side-effect aside, it features a very warm story about neighbours bonding over food and finding a little romance with each other. Enjoyed it a lot actually, but the knowledge of a second season ruins it for me.

A solid fantasy romance, although the couple's chemistry never convinced me. I could reason its appeal but sadly never feel it on an emotional level. Jeon Ji Hyun's portrayal of Cheon Song Yi is fantastic.

Misaeng (2014)

Rating: A

Who would have guessed that everyday office politics can be so riveting? While wonderfully directed and filmed, it's really the cast that truly elevates the show. The story of a total underdog thrown in the midst of complicated workplace intrigue can be devastating, but the lowest lows deliver the highest highs.

Monstar (2013)

Rating: C-

Thematically appropriate musical acts are wonderfully performed, but otherwise the show is overstreched and slow. Enjoyed the characters and their stories, but kept feeling like I needed a pep-talk before starting each episode.

Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart: Goryeo (2016)Rating: C-Plagued from the start by distracting production flaws and inconsistent writing, the drama sadly never reached its potential. I did like the costumes and the setting, but it was difficult to connect with characters you could not understand and root for the love story that happened too late. I enjoyed bits of it, at times very much, however it failed to convey a message of any kind.

My Girl (2005-2006)

Rating: B-

Rather dated now, but it remains as a sentimental favourite. Lee Da Hae plays one of my favourite female leads in K-drama and has sweet chemistry with Lee Dong Wook. Show can get a little angsty near the end, but it's otherwise a very delightful watch.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)

Rating: C

Cute, but lacking any sort of depth. While Shin Min Ah makes one super adorable gumiho, the mythology to explain her existence is used very superficially. Romance feels a little juvenile.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)Rating: BA drama about the obsession with appearances told from a rather feminist perspective and infused with relevant social commentary. Youthful, at times frustrating, but ultimately uplifting and cute, even though execution leaves a few things to be desired.

Rating: B-Revenge drama that I actually enjoyed (mostly because of Song Joong Ki). The story was addictively melo and characters sufficiently intriguing. The ending, however, fell flat, trying to conveniently undo our hero's wrongdoings.

Oh My Ghostess (2015)Rating: C-Wanted to love it. So much. Drama had my favourite cast, but ruined the romance with messy, wrongful body-possession. Park Bo Young and Kim Seul Gi turn in fabulous performances, but I was mad at their characters by the end of it.

Playful Kiss/Mischievous Kiss (2010)

Rating: D+

It was cute, I guess. Jung So Min carries the show; not much acting done on Kim Hyun Joong's part.

Plus Nine Boys/Age Ending in Nine Boy (2014)

Rating: B-Expected something a bit funnier, so it kinda left me wanting. The contemplative mood isn't a flaw but makes you adjust your expectations a bit. Still, the stories of the four men/boys in the year of unlucky nines were all engaging in their own way.

Prosecutor Princess (2010)

Rating: DNever saw the magic in it that others viewers did. The romance did have a certain addictive quality to it, but the story was so mediocre.

Queen In Hyun's Man (2012)

Rating: B

A time-travel romance that actually stirs emotions the way it should. Leading couple's sizzling chemistry elevates the already captivating story, but the ending tries to get away with heavenly intervention.

Queen of the Ring (2017)

Rating: F

Problematic webdrama that goes against the very message it dispassionately tries to convey. Kim Seul Gi certainly deserves better than being called "ugly" for three hours straight.

Rooftop Prince (2012)

Rating: D+

Would have been great if it had been a straight-up comedy about four lost Joseon puppies in the modern-day and about 10 episodes shorter. Alas, it wasn't. Not really worth my time, especially with an ending that renders the romance pointless.

Save Me (2017)Rating: ADespairingly dark story of a young woman trapped in a religious cult and the four delinquent friends who take it upon themselves to save her. Intense and frightening, with engaging characters and a keen directorial sense to boot. Stand-out performances by Seo Ye Ji (harrowing) and Woo Do Hwan (magnetic).

School 2013 (2012-2013)

Rating: B

The one time I felt maybe the bromance went a bit too far, but boy, do Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin sell it. While a little rough around the edges, the stories of the kids and their bickering homeroom teachers have a lot of heart. I loved the ending.

School 2017 (2017)Rating: BNo doubt a little corny at times and obviously not very realistic, but damn if the kids don't grow on you! While I wish the drama had developed some subplots a bit more (and dropped others), the main story works and stays uplifting until the end. Youthful and sweet, with a lovable lead cast.

Secret Garden (2010-2011)Rating: D-I consider it completed, even though I mostly just sped through it. With a borderline abusive male lead, totally illogical body-swap mechanics and yawn-worthy plot, its appeal is entirely lost on me.

Seven Day Queen (2017)Rating: B+An epic tale about fated lovers trying to conquer the many tragedies that keep them apart. Even though the overall trajectory felt familiar, the little twists and turns along the way kept the plot consistently engaging. Romance carried the show for me, while politics were somewhat tedious. But what a poetic ending.

Shopping King Louis (2016)Rating: BConsistently entertaining and impossibly cute. It's lacking in conflict, though, with baddies who are so pathetic and dumb that you'll feel sorry for them. Yet it's well worth a watch for the couple alone, but particularly for Seo In Guk's brilliant comedic performance.

Shut Up: Flower Boy Band (2012)

Rating: A

Heart-tugging story of brotherhood that had me fully invested from start to finish. The raw, rough tone fits the characters' search for a place in the world. Teen angst at its best, with a youthful soundtrack.

Splash Splash Love (2015)Rating: B-Extremely endearing for a simple, two-episode drama special. Kim Seul Gi and Yoon Doo Joon are so darn delightful together. Yet I can't help but wish this had been a full length series as I found it a little difficult to truly connect with the story within such a short time.

Stars Falling From the Sky (2010)Rating: CMy memory of the plot is hazy, but I remember it being a rather warm story of a woman and her five suddenly orphaned younger siblings who turn a corporate lawyer's life upside-down. Mediocre, but earnest. Kim Ji Hoon deserved better hair, though.

Surplus Princess (2014)

Rating: C

Iconic for Song Jae Rim's apple butt. The plot is messy, trying to be both a mermaid romance and a work drama at once. But worth it for the hilariously random humor and characters.

The Heirs (2013)

Rating: D

Overhyped, overblown and overdramatic this drama is. Caused what I fear might be permanent allergy towards Lee Min Ho. Didn't hate it when I watched it, but looking back I despise everything about the love triangle where two rich dudes keep traumatizing one poor girl.

The King 2 Hearts (2012)

Rating: B

A little ambitious in its attempt to create an alternative South-Korea that is ruled by monarchy, but still manages to deliver dramatic moments that leave you rather impressed. The lead pairing is solid, yet it's the secondary pairing that really stirs hearts. As far as I'm concerned, Jo Jung Suk stole the show.

The Master's Sun (2013)

Rating: BQuirky, ghostly romance between a woman who sees dead people and a man who suffers from strange hand spasms whenever he tells her to leave. Plot is nothing noteworthy, but the winning chemistry between the leads carries the show.

A sweeping Romeo and Juliet story set in the Joseon times and in the midst of an intense political power struggle. The plot is well-written and engaging all the way through. Also, marvellous soundtrack.

Warm feel-good drama that follows emotionally stalled characters as they find love and grow into adulthood. Not much really happens, but consistently wholesome tone and endearing cast makes up for other shortcomings. Comfort food for the soul.

Twenty Again (2015)

Rating: B

An ahjumma's inspiring journey to rediscover herself and her dreams as she navigates the college campus with the help of her grumpy admirer. A gratifying reverse coming-of-age story.

What's Up (2011-2012)

Rating: A-

Despite being advertised as a musical drama, this is above all a character-driven story about figuring out who you are and coming to terms with the past. A lovable cast and memorable musical performances.

White Christmas (2011)

Rating: B

An intriguing psychological mystery that tries to find the answer to the question: are monsters born or made? Acting from the inexperienced cast leaves a lot to be desired, but the plot is gripping.

Witch's Romance (2014)

Rating: C

What starts out as a winning noona romance between an unlikely pairing, unfortunately ends up in tiring angst that is difficult to get through. The romantic chemistry is amazing, though.

Had its moments and the ending was surprisingly thoughtful, but due to frustrating mama drama and a horde of aggravating side-characters, I really can't say these 50 episodes were well spent. Watched it for Jo Jung Suk, though IU held her own. Pro tip: fast-forward button is your friend.

JAPANESE DRAMAS

1 Litre of Tears/Ichi Ritoru No Namida (2005)

Rating: A

The infamous tearjerker delivers exactly what the title promises. My first and only watching experience left me a lasting impression.

Itazura Na Kiss (1996)

Rating: C-

Yes, I actually watched it. And yes, I wanted to strangle the female lead. That aside, the drama wasn't that bad, but it's obviously very dated now.

Itazura Na Kiss: Love in Tokyo (2013)

Rating: BDespite my initial doubts, this turned out to be a solid adaptation of the insanely popular manga. Heroine was less ditzy and more endearing here, and I had an easier time rooting for her. Suffers from same issues as the other adaptations, but these can be overlooked.

Started on a whim, but fell in love with its consistent charm. Following along a forgetful detective and her unlucky admirer as they solve tiny mysteries is fun, at times touching. The mystery of Kyoko herself never really gets solved, but oddly enough, I did not care.

Absurd premise with an unrealistically juvenile heroine and her frustratingly overprotective mom, but the tone is earnest. Watched it mostly for Kahoko's romance with her life coach of sorts, though it hardly progressed beyond occasional hand-holding. Still, the drama had its moments.

The Black Swindler/Kurosagi (2006)Rating: C-Watched it in the hopes of Yamapi and Maki Horikita's characters hooking up with each other which ultimately didn't happen. The rest is a hazy memory.

The Wallflower/Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (2010)

Rating: C-

Premise is ridiculous and conflicts laughable (the hero literally sulks over being TOO hot), but it can be very amusing in its outrageousness. Would make BFFs with Sunako.

TAIWANESE DRAMAS

In Time With You (2011)

Rating: B+

Well-directed and very poignant in its descriptions about love, friendship and adulthood. The plot movement is slow, almost frustratingly so, but it gives the opportunity to truly get to know the characters. Also, Li Da Ren is the guy we all want to marry.